Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Quilting Q$A

One more question, how did you start selling your work, gallery or just exhibiting anywhere you could? Thanks---Jan

Dear Jan,
I am not affiliated with a gallery but have considered it for my future, when I retire. There are some problems for me with galleries. #1 There are sooooo few that deal with art quilts. And those do, not mentioning any names, have only a few quilts on display which makes it seem like they aren't all that interested in promoting quilts.

I sell to my students or to people who have seen my work in person at shows or at lectures. Once in a while I sell from my website. This is always a thrill. Their faith in spite of not seeing the work in person is astounding. I have had good luck with the Husqvarna exhibit at Houston which has sold two large pieces. I wish more quilt shows would have sales people who could help customers with purchases. I would bet it would benefit the show sponsors to have this happen.
I am dreaming.

I did sell a bunch of small quilts last summer from the blog, and my alternate blog (deleted). But mostly I make and sell things when I go to teach at shows or guilds. That is the best way for me. No overhead, marketing or having to meet a deadline.

Stack #11
27x13" Fused Cottons

Hand and machine quilted

I quilted this piece yesterday and will have it ready for my next gig on the 17th.

The next inevitable question is how does one price one's work. It is difficult to advise others how to price their own work, but easy for me. It depends on how much effort or fun it was to make. How long it took is another matter. The size enters into the equation too. A piece like this one is going to be priced at $300. I loved making it. And it is small and was fun to quilt. I even sewed on the sleeve, so I am very pleased with myself. This is my new colorway too so I am loving it even more. If someone else loves it, we are both made happy. I like to know who buys my work, so I can make another friend.

4 comments:

  1. Melody,a technique question: with these Stack pieces, are you leaving or cutting away the underlayers of fabric? They are very fun.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous10:33 PM

    the 17th means you will be at the Northwest Suburban Quilter's Guild and I will get to see the new
    quilt. Yipee!!!

    Your friend the original tube sock creator.
    Liz A.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I like the landscape orientation of this piece. It is very relaxing but the shapes, layering and color really activate it. All this new work shows how much you love creating. I'm glad you aren't stuck anymore.
    Love,
    your bad penny,
    Sonji

    ReplyDelete

Hello,
So nice of you to drop by. I love your comments, and if you would really like a reply, please email me at fibermania at g mail dot com